3
Things did not go to plan against Arsenal in the league opener. United played well, but the result did not follow.
Against Fulham, they needed a response. Unfortunately, they did not get one.
United started brightly and controlled the opening 10 minutes, but Fulham gradually grew into the game and turned it into a battle.
In the first half, aside from three chances, two for Matheus Cunha and the other squandered by Bruno Fernandes, there was not much to smile about.
United were passive, and Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to give them the lead, skying his penalty in the 38th minute after VAR intervened on a Calvin Bassey–Mason Mount incident, summarising the frustrations of the first half.
Goalless at half-time, United needed a stronger second half to protect their perfect run of eight wins in eight at Craven Cottage.
Yes, United did break the deadlock early in the second half. Leny Yoro rose to meet a Bryan Mbeumo corner, and his header brushed Rodrigo Muniz before nestling into the net for a 1–0 lead in the 58th minute.
But Fulham hit back 15 minutes later. Alex Iwobi found an unmarked Emile Smith Rowe in the box, and the ex-Arsenal man slotted home; Fernandes was accused of failing to track his run.
Both sides pushed for a winner, but neither found it. The match ended 1–1, leaving United and their fans disappointed.
Midfield imbalance continues
One glaring issue remains: United’s midfield needs sorting.
The Casemiro–Fernandes pairing isn’t working and likely will never work. Fernandes lacks defensive awareness, intensity, and physicality, while Casemiro’s athleticism is no longer as it used to be.
The Portuguese playmaker belongs in the number 10 role. But with Cunha and Mbeumo occupying attacking slots, he’s been forced into central midfield.
If he is to stay there, he needs a Kante-esque partner, someone athletic, mobile, and capable of covering ground to complement him.
Fernandes vs Fulham: Mixed bag
Fernandes was not at his best against Fulham. Ninety minutes on the pitch, he completed just one of three crosses, three of eight long balls, missed a penalty, missed a big chance, and lost possession 11 times, stats that expose his limitations in a deeper role.
Still, he showed effort: won 8 of 10 duels, made two clearances, completed all his dribbles, had a shot on target, and finished with 85% pass accuracy.
There’s a case to be made that he can still thrive in central midfield if the balance is right.
It is hard to dominate when your engine room is not functioning properly. INEOS must recognise this and act before the window slams shut.
Midfielder signing needed
If United are serious, they may need to break the bank for top target Carlos Baleba. If not, they must explore alternatives like Angelo Stiller or Lucien Agoumé.
Ultimately, Ruben Amorim needs an athletic midfielder who can inject bite into the midfield, shift the dynamic, and unlock Fernandes’ best in a central midfield role.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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